In need of an education..340 vs 360.

dartcuda1 said

Have seen that done and the 340 won every time.That was tested right in are neighborhood in the late 70,s.And to tell you what they were they were to dusters built the same.So a 350 chevy with 10 more CI will out run a 340?You learn something new everyday.I wonder why they always seen my taillights HMMM I guess bad drivers.Also I wonder bill jenkins whooped in so many hemi's with a 331ci.My guess is bad drivers again. Mark

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After reading this thread I just got to a point with all this ridiculousness here I couldn't stay out of it. BILL JENKINS! Are you serious? Your talking about a legendary engine builder & innovator who was at the top of his game vs so many also rans at the time. It wasn't the multi-millionaire only class that it is today. Also the Pro Stock class at that time had weight breaks based on cubic inches, so there was an advantage to running a smaller engine/ lighter car combination. Remember Glidden & his Plymouth Arrow? Weight breaks is why he changed over.
If you seriously think a 340 could take a 396 in stock form you need to check into rehab! In car of similar weight & size(camaro/ nova) the 396 made more power in EVERY version produced so the power to weight being even close it would beat the 340. So yes it probably came down to bad drivers.
The 340 is cool if you are into nostalgia. I can say this; Horsepower is a by product of torque. Torque is easier to produce with longer stroke & more cubic inches. A smaller engine will rev higher to produce the same horsepower out of necessity. I've built them both. If I had my choice I'd build an early 360 block(same core as a 340 BTW) & enjoy the extra power it produces at lower RPM. Even if I disappointed the crowds because of it! Lower ET slips cure that rather quickly!
I'm not a 340 hater or a 360 lover. But the facts are what they are.
No replacement for displacement!